"I don't think about art when I'm working. I try to think about life." Jean Michel Basquiat	ABOUT Rayhart Inspiration I am inspired by what has yet to be created, the mysterious unknown, per se. Everything around us, within us, is in constant motion, so, my artwork must be as well. In viewing my work, one tends to feel as if my paintings are, in fact, in motion or flowing. Now, this is not some contrived attempt to do so, as this flow I speak of, is a natural occurrence. Meaning, if one is truly living within their life's unique flow, all that he or she does shall reflect as such.  For example, take Michael Jordan, the great basketball player, when one bares witness to his body of work; one bares witness to his unique flow or poetry in motion. It seems almost effortless, and this is due to the fact that he is not trying to be Michael Jordan, as he is truly doing what is meant for him to do. Therefore, when I am in my personal flow, I can create art and feel as if the act is effortless as well. For me, art is also a weapon of war and peace, one in the same; A vehicle, which drives me toward a sense of freedom or toward my natural purpose in life. In short, art connects me to my flow, my way or path, which has been chosen solely, for me. So, whether one creates art or simply witnesses it, through art appreciation, they will be changed or broadened forever. Education Instruction or education in general, is a good tool; however, it merely prepares us to fit in. Now, inspiration or imagination on the other hand, opens us up to live and celebrate our uniqueness. Sure, I have been educated, as I hold a BA degree in sociology. So, this by any means is to disparage education, yet, I do intend to define or bring attention to the fact that there is a clear difference between the two, education and inspiration. In my opinion, the genius of Albert Einstein was more so founded on inspiration. In fact, as he has been quoted as saying, "Imagination is more important than knowledge". I believe there is a true connection to the source, God, or a higher being when one is inspired or when great things occur within oneself. We tend to disconnect from this source, when we rely solely on education or what has been instructed upon us. So, in relation to my art, I am what most would consider a self-taught artist. Meaning, I have no formal education or training from an institution of art. However, I truly believe and acknowledge the fact that I have been gifted or granted this inspiration to create art, by the higher forces of our universe. These forces guide my every brush stroke and have led me toward "A Peace of Mind", "The SiLent Sit", "Divine Diva", and so on. Evolution The evolution of my art is continual, and its unexpected conception is due to a simple gesture of kindness by a friend. Prior to commencing upon my path of art creation, I had been somewhat lost and uninspired. As mentioned, I had studied sociology in college, so, I had no inclination at that time, I would be painting today. Meanwhile, this uncertainty caused a great deal of stress and a internal struggle to find where I belonged or who I was to become. Of course, when one is struggling with oneself, he or she will usually struggle with others as well, resulting in many failed and unfulfilled relationships. So, this friend's gesture of kindness, I speak of was a simple beginners fine art set, which she had given to me on my birthday. She too, had noticed my inability to find peace or happiness within myself and did not shun this opportunity to help. Again, I had no clue that she would offer up such a precious gift or did I have any idea that I would have taken to it as I have. In short, the magnitude of appreciation for this gift was enormous, as it served as the beginning of the art career which I pursue today. This simple gesture of kindness has resulted in the artworks shown on this website, and the many others, I paint today, not to mention, the stress relief, which has been immense.  Back